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How to Cash In on the Hottest Bite of the Year
Picture this: It’s dawn, the water’s glassy, and your rod bends double as a feisty kokanee slams your lure. Spring fishing is heating up—here’s where the fish are biting right now and the gear they can’t resist. 1. Kokanee Salmon: The Corn-Fed Frenzy Kokanee (landlocked salmon) are smashing lures tipped with garlic-scented corn in deep, cool waters. These feisty fish fight hard and taste even better. Key Takeaways: Depth Matters: Target 35–70 feet—fish are suspended near bait balls. Lure MVP: Trinidad Dodgers + Uncle Jerry’s spinners (pink/gold work best). Pro Tip: Troll slow (1.1–1.5 mph) to mimic injured baitfish. Subtopic Alert: Kokanee vs. trout? Kokanee have forked tails and red meat—trout are leaner with rounder tails. 2. Rainbow Trout: Follow the Birds Trout are chasing shad near the surface, especially where birds dive. Pro anglers are limiting out before breakfast. Key Takeaways: Best Bait: Pink bubblegum Trout Tricks minnows (add Trigger Scent for 50% more bites). Depth Shift: Start at 20 ft at dawn, drop to 40 ft by noon. Pro Move: “Fish the ‘scatter’—where birds dive, trout feast!” — Captain Kellogg Bonus Intel: Lightning trout (a hybrid) are mixed in—look for their golden streaks! 3. Striped Bass: The Minnow Trick Post-spawn stripers are hungry but picky. Live minnows or flashy spoons are crushing it near river currents. Key Takeaways: Where to Cast: Eddies below rapids (fish rest here). Gear Switch: If minnows fail, try chartreuse Blade Runner spoons. Pro Tip: “Downsize hooks post-spawn—they nibble, don’t gorge!” — Brett Brady Subtopic: Striper vs. largemouth? Stripers are longer, fight harder, and love fast-moving water. 4. King Salmon: Troll Like a Pro Kings are stacking deep (55+ feet) near underwater structures. Trolling with downriggers is the way to go. Key Takeaways: Lure Setup: Shad rigs (real or soft plastic) behind dodgers. Speed Control: 2.3–2.8 mph—slow enough to tempt lazy giants. Pro Move: “Follow the birds—where they dive, salmon feast.” — Captain Monty Did You Know? Kings turn reddish during spawn—catch them silver for best eating. Spring Fishing Cheat Sheet Species Best Lure Depth Pro Tip Kokanee Corn-tipped spinners 35–70 ft Add garlic scent! Trout Pink minnows 20–40 ft Fish near bird activity Stripers Live minnows Current edges Switch to spoons if slow King Salmon Shad rigs 55+ ft Troll slow Your Turn to Hit the Water Spring fishing is like a limited-time sale—the bite won’t last forever! This is the prime window to get out there and experience some of the most exciting fishing of the year. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, these tips will give you a significant advantage. Ready to put these secrets into practice? Explore our wide range of fishing gear and lures, perfect for your next spring adventure. Happy fishing, and we'll see you out on the water!
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Legacy in Every Cast: Honoring Uncle Larry + Red-Hot Spring Fishing Across California
The fishing community lost a true original this week. Uncle Larry Barnes—yeah, THE Uncle Larry—passed away. If you’ve ever trolled with one of his spinners, you know why this is more than just another fishing report. It’s a tribute to a man whose tackle helped shape the way we fish for trout and kokanee. But even as we say goodbye, Uncle Larry’s legacy is alive and well in the water. In fact, guides from all over Northern California reported jaw-dropping days this week—many of them while using his signature spinners. Who’s Larry ‘Uncle Larry’ Barnes? Uncle Larry wasn’t just a guy who made lures—he made legendary lures. He was the type of fisherman who'd share his secret sauce without blinking. Always smiling, always teaching. Whether it was at Sacramento Pro Tackle or out on the lake, Larry Barnes left a mark on every angler who crossed his path. This week, the Catch America crew honored him the best way we know how: by running his spinners and crushing fish. Captain Nate put it best: “This fish right here is a tribute to the innovation, expertise and attention to detail that Uncle Larry brought to trout and salmon trolling.” Let’s dive into the action from the water. Lake Amador: The Bottomless CreelThe crew lit it up at Amador this week. We’re talking a catch bag that looked like a sampler platter from the freshwater gods—big kings, chunky kokanee up to 17 inches, fat trout, even a few surprise crappie. The game plan? Gear Depth: Fish were scattered from 15 to 60 feet. Hot Baits: Stick baits, Chrome Killer scent, and yes—Uncle Larry’s spinners. Tactic Tip: Watch your sonar and chase marks. Fish are moving fast with rising temps. Captain Nate says, “Run it all—Chrome Killer scent, spoons, stick baits. Just be ready, because it’s game on from top to bottom.” Collins Lake: Pink Baits and Full Moon Problems Meanwhile, Cal Kellogg’s crew has been hammering lightning trout and rainbows at Collins Lake. Early in the week? Easy limits, day after day. Later in the week? That pesky full moon rolled in and made the fish a little gun-shy. Short strikes were the name of the game—but Cal wasn’t about to let them win. Here’s what worked: Top Bait: Bubblegum pink Trout Trix Minnows, rigged with action discs. Hook Upgrade: Swapped Mustad #4 singles for #8 red treble hooks—huge difference on short strikers. Scent Game: Trigger scent. On every bait. Every time. Trolling speeds were dialed in at around 2.0 mph, with slight bumps or drops depending on what Cal saw on the sonar. Bonus tip? If you’re chasing lightning trout, don’t be afraid to drop a line as deep as 50 feet, especially if you spot a fat mark. That’s how Cal’s buddy landed a bruiser lightning just days ago. Lake Camanche & Pardee: Great Stocking, Tough Access Both lakes saw new plants this week, but there’s a catch—no boats allowed for now. That means your best shot is to be there the day of the plant with your shore gear locked and loaded. What to bring? PowerBait Nightcrawlers Mini jigs Power Eggs If you wait too long, these fish are heading straight for cooler, deeper water. Translation? Tougher bite if you miss the window. Pro Tips for Tough Conditions Fishing during a full moon? Don’t sweat it—you’ve still got options. Downsize hooks to turn tentative bites into hookups. Add action discs to your plastics for more wiggle. Zigzag your troll pattern when you spot marks near your bait depth. Don’t underestimate the power of scent—it’s like fish seasoning. As Cal says, “I went through two bottles of scent this week. When they get picky, that little bit of flavor makes a big difference.” Quick Reference: May Fishing Cheat Sheet Lake Target Species Depth Best Baits Pro Tip Lake Amador Trout, Kings, Kokanee, Crappie 15–60 ft Uncle Larry’s Spinners, Stick Baits Chrome killer scent = multi-species magic Collins Lake Lightning & Rainbow Trout 15–30 ft (down to 50) Pink Trout Trix w/ Action Discs Switch to treble hooks on short strikers Camanche/ Pardee Freshly Planted Trout Shoreline only PowerBait, Mini Jigs, Nightcrawlers Be there the day they stock! Cast Out with Confidence This week was about more than just the bite. It was about legacy, innovation and celebrating the anglers who helped shape this sport. Uncle Larry’s spirit lives on every time one of us trolls one of his spinners. So grab your rods, rig up right and don’t forget your scent. Whether you're chasing lightning trout or soaking PowerBait from shore, May is putting on a show—and the fish are waiting. Want more tips or gear that works? Check out our Catch America lure kits and scent packages, or drop a comment with your own Uncle Larry story. See you out there.
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The Secret to Catching More Salmon: Captain Monte’s Ultimate Shad Rig Setup
If you’ve ever wondered how the pros rig their bait to fool deepwater kings, Captain Monte Smith is about to let you in on his go-to setup. It’s not complicated—but it is deadly effective.Let’s break it down in plain English: if you're trolling for salmon and not getting bit, it might not be your luck—it might be your rig. In this blog, you'll learn how to build a simple yet super effective 3-hook shad harness from Captain Monte himself, of Gold Country Sport Fishing. Whether you're new to trolling or just want to upgrade your rig game, this one’s for you.What You’ll Need to Build the Rig First up, gather your supplies. No need for a full tackle shop—just a few essentials: Hooks: use a size 2 Owner or Gamakatsu mosquito hook, a size 8 Gamakatsu single egg hook, and a red Owner ST-36 treble hook (size 6). Line: 12 lb test fluorocarbon (Capt. Monte likes P-Line Tactical—it’s tough enough for those big-toothed salmon). Swivel: Use a ball bearing swivel—not a barrel swivel—to prevent line twist. Scissors & Clippers: Sharp scissors for yarn and fingernail clippers for trimming line. Black Yarn: Yep, you heard right. Sewing yarn helps keep the egg hook secure while still adjustable. You don’t need anything fancy—just tools that work.Step-by-Step: Rigging the LeaderLet’s start with about a 5–6 foot fluorocarbon leader. Here’s how he sets up the hook sequence: 1. Tie the Treble Hook First Thread the line through the treble hook eye. Wrap 7 times, then feed the tag end back through the eye. Wrap again 7 times and snug it up. This hook will act as your stinger—it’s not attached directly to the fish. 2. Add the Mosquito Hook Slide the hook about an inch or so ahead of the treble, depending on your shad size. Same deal: thread, wrap 7 times, go back through the eye, and wrap again. Pull tight. Now you’ve got your main structural hook in place. 3. Add the Single Egg Hook with Yarn Run the leader through the hook eye. Take a 10-inch piece of black yarn, wet it, and thread it through the eye alongside the leader—do this from both sides. Wrap the yarn 8–9 times around the eye, then snug it down just enough so the hook can slide a bit. The sliding motion of the egg hook helps you get that sweet rolling action later when the bait’s in the water. Prepping the Shad: Brine & Size MattersCapt. Monte prefers frozen shad around 2 to 2.5 inches long. The trick? Brine them the night before.Why? Because a brined shad holds up better. The skin toughens, the belly doesn’t fall out, and it helps the bait last longer on the troll. Brining recipes vary, but the key is salt and refrigeration overnight. How to Rig the Shad ItselfOnce your harness is built and your bait is brined, it’s go time. Here’s how to hook the shad: 1. Center Hook (Mosquito Hook) Insert the hook through the side of the shad near the dorsal fin and out the other side. Lay the shank flat against the fish’s side to support the bend. 2. Egg Hook Go through the bottom jaw and out through the hard part on top of the head. Avoid the eyes! Salmon key in on those, and damaged eyes can turn them off. 3.Treble Hook (Stinger) Leave it trailing off the back of the bait. Don’t stick it in the fish. Now here’s the magic: pull the leader gently and watch that shad start to bend. You can adjust the curve to get a tight or slow roll. That rolling motion is what drives salmon nuts. Why This Rig Works (And What to Watch For)This setup is designed with salmon behavior in mind. Here’s why it shines: Bait Presentation: The bend and roll make your shad look alive, even at trolling speeds. Hook Coverage: Salmon often attack head-first. This rig puts hooks in all the right places to boost hookup ratios. Minimal Twist: The ball bearing swivel keeps your line from turning into a spaghetti mess. Durability: A brined bait plus tough leader means fewer lost rigs and more landed fish. One more tip: salmon bites aren’t usually aggressive. Look for light taps, then pull your rod out of the downrigger clip and give it a quick pop. Don’t overdo it—you just need to trigger the hookset. Final Thoughts: Ready to Roll? That’s the full breakdown of how Captain Monte rigs his shad for salmon trolling success. It’s simple, smart and built from years of on-the-water experience. Want to give it a shot? Grab some hooks, prep your brine and start practicing your wraps. Once you get the feel, this rig can become your go-to for kings in lakes like Don Pedro and beyond. Curious about the gear Capt. Monte uses or want to explore more rigging tips?Check out our full line of salmon trolling gear at Catch America.Got questions or a favorite rig of your own? Drop a comment—we love hearing from fellow anglers!
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Spring is Here — And So is the Bite! Top California Fishing Hotspots You Can’t Miss This Week
Lakes, Bait, and Big Bites—Let’s Get Into ItFrom NorCal rivers to Sierra lakes, fish are on the move and biting. If it swims, it’s on the menu this week. Trout, kokanee, kings, stripers—you name it. We’ve rounded up what the guides are seeing and where the hot bites are happening. Let’s break it down by zones, tactics and a few can't-miss tips. LAKE & RIVER ACTION: What’s Hot Right NowLake Shasta (Trout & Salmon)Conditions: Water’s warming fast, and clarity is great.Bite: Solid trout fishing from the surface down to 25 feet. Top Picks: Trigger Spoons (bright colors) Nightcrawlers behind a dodger Side planers help get your bait away from the boat in shallow water. Beginner Tip: Side planers let you troll lures out to the sides instead of directly behind your boat. Helps avoid spooking fish. Depths: 60–100 feet Gear Tips: Brined anchovies behind 6-inch Sling Blades Quality sonar is key—fish are hugging tight to bait schools Lake Berryessa (Trout, Kokanee, Kings) Summary: If you want variety, this is the spot. What's Working: Yozuri minnows and shad-pattern spoons Trout in the top 10 feet Kokanee a bit deeper (20–30 feet) Kings down at 50–70 feet Pro Move: Use scent! Garlic, anise or even Pro-Cure gel on your lures makes a difference, especially for kokanee.Conditions: Crystal clear and loaded with fish Tactics: Shore or boat? Doesn’t matter. Trout are everywhere. Use small Rapalas, spinners, or worms under a bobber No downriggers needed Beginner Friendly: Great place for kids or casual fishing. Cast from shore with a worm and let the magic happen. Delta Region (Striped Bass & More) What’s Happening: Stripers are rolling through! Live minnows are top choice Try drifting or back-bouncing around 8–15 feet deep Licensing Note: All river guides using bait must carry a USCG license. Always double-check your guide’s credentials! Top Tactics & Gear This Week Target Depth Lure/Bait Pro Tip Rainbow Trout (Shasta) 0–25 ft Trigger Spoons, worms Troll slow, use side planers King Salmon (Don Pedro) 60–100 f Brined Anchovies + Sling Blades Use sonar to find bait balls Kokanee (Berryessa) 20–30 ft Spinners, corn-tipped hoochies Add scent for better results Stripers (Delta) 8–15 ft Live minnows Drift with current flow WEEKEND GAME PLANHere’s your pick-three based on your vibe: Want Easy Shore Action? Go to Collins Lake and toss a spinner or float a worm. Chasing Trophy Kings? Don Pedro. Go deep with brined bait and good sonar. Looking for Variety? Berryessa is your buffet. Kokanee, trout, and kings—all in one spot. Angler Tip of the Week“Fish don’t live in ugly places. Even if you’re not catching, you’re still winning.”Keep your drag set loose, your hooks sharp, and your cooler ready.
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Spring Fishing Frenzy: Easy Wins for Trout, Stripers & Kings in California Waters
Spring has sprung, and California's lakes and rivers are teeming with fish! Whether you're a newbie angler or just looking for a relaxing day on the water, now's the perfect time to cast your line.Sacramento River: Striper Central Why It's Hot: Spring marks the pre-spawn period for striped bass, making them aggressive and eager to bite. Top Tips: Bait Choice: Live minnows are the go-to. Simply hook one through the back and let it swim naturally. Location: Focus on areas with slower currents, like the edges of the river, where stripers like to hang out. Technique: Anchor your boat and let the bait drift naturally. Patience is key—wait for that telltale tug! Time of Day: Early mornings are prime time, but evening bites are picking up too. Pro Insight: As water temperatures rise above 62°F, stripers begin to spawn. Post-spawn, they retreat to deeper, cooler waters.Collins Lake: Trout Galore Why It's Hot: Collins Lake is stocked with rainbow and lightning trout, making it a haven for anglers. Top Tips: Bait Choice: PowerBait in green, chartreuse or garlic flavors works wonders. For trolling, try pink Trout Trix worms paired with a flasher. Depth: Trout are cruising between 10–25 feet deep. Use a simple weight or a diving device to reach them. Technique: Trolling at 1.8–2.0 mph is effective. If fishing from shore, cast out and let your bait sit near the bottom. Time of Day: Late morning to early afternoon sees increased trout activity, especially as the sun warms the water. Pro Insight: Adding a scent attractant like Trigger Scent to your bait can double your hookups. Don Pedro Lake: King Salmon & Rainbow Trout Why It's Hot: The lake's rising water levels and clear conditions make it ideal for targeting big fish. Top Tips: Bait Choice: Frozen shad on a homemade harness is a favorite for both king salmon and rainbow trout. Depth: Fish are being caught between 35–75 feet deep. Use a downrigger or weighted line to reach these depths. Technique: Troll slowly and steadily. Keep an eye on your fish finder to locate schools. Time of Day: Early mornings yield the best results, but fish can be caught throughout the day. Pro Insight: The kokanee salmon bite is just a few weeks away. Prepare your gear now for this upcoming opportunity. Quick Gear Guide Target Species Best Bait Depth Hotspot Location Striped Bass Live Minnows 5–12 ft Sacramento River Edges Rainbow Trout PowerBait/Pink worms 10–25 ft Collins Lake King Salmon Frozen Shad on harness 35–75 ft Don Pedro Lake Bonus Tips for Beginners Hooking Minnows: Insert the hook through the back, just behind the dorsal fin, allowing the minnow to swim naturally. Using Flashers: Attach a flasher—a shiny, spinning device—ahead of your bait to attract fish from a distance. Understanding "Bird Piles": Look for groups of birds diving into the water; they're feeding on baitfish, indicating predators like stripers or salmon are nearby. Ready to Reel In? Spring fishing in California offers unmatched opportunities for anglers of all levels. Grab your gear, pick a spot, and enjoy the thrill of the catch! For more tips and gear recommendations, visit Catch America. Check out our latest videos for visual guides and tutorials.
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Explosive Spring Fishing! Your Guide to Limits & Legends
The water hits 65°F, and suddenly—WHAM!—your rod doubles over. Right now, California’s lakes are serving up the easiest big-fish action of the year. Here’s how to get yours before the spawn ends.Collins Lake: Lightning Trout GoldmineThe Science: Warming shallows push trout into 10–15 feet to chase hatching midges. Pro Tip: pink mimics their eggs—hence the frenzy on Trout Trix Worms. Cal’s Killer Combo: Use a pink Trout Trix Worm with a Turbo Flasher. Hook the worm near the tail instead of the head—this makes it move more naturally in the water, especially when trout are just nibbling instead of biting hard. 2.0 mph troll speed—any faster and they ignore it "Douse it in Trigger Scent—our hookups doubled!" Sacramento Stripers: Live Bait = LimitsWhy It’s Prime Time: pre-spawn stripers are aggressive but picky. Minnows outfish lures 3:1 this month. Brett Brady’s Playbook; Drop a live minnow to the bottom and slowly lift your rod tip to let it drift naturally with the current—this keeps it right in the strike zone where stripers are waiting. Post-10 AM? Switch to chartreuse swimbaits (they’re keyed in on shad). "Look for nervous water—that’s where hens are staging." Danger: water hits 64°F? Fish deeper eddies—spawned-out stripers hide there. Pro Tip: The “Bug Buffet” EffectSpring = insect explosions. Match the hatch: Almanor: Red/gold spoons = midges. Don Pedro: Brown trout crush black leech patterns at dawn. Gear Cheat Sheet Target Best Bait Depth Can’t-Miss Spot Trophy Trout Pink Trout Trix 10–15 ft Collins Lake coves Stripers Live Minnows 5–12 ft Sacramento River eddies King Salmon Shad Harness 55–65 ft Don Pedro bird piles (Watch for groups of birds) Your Free Spring Fishing Toolkit Depth/Temp Map (downloadable PDF). Lure Rigging Videos (scan the QR code). Crew’s Picks: Shop our limited pink worm kits – 20% off this week.
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Catch America Guide Kits!
Cal's Collins Lake Kit
Cal's Kokanee Kit
Cal's Kokanee Spinner Kit
Cal's Trophy Trout Kit
CRYSTAL BULLET Kokanee Fly Kit
Jeff's #3 Optimizer™ Kit
Max's Central Valley Strike Kit
Monte's Kokanee Kit
Nate's Berryessa Spring Kit
California Fishing Reports
California Lakes
California lakes are offering diverse fishing, with trout moving deeper as waters warm while kokanee and king salmon bites are strong for trollers. Anglers can expect varied action, from robust salmon and kokanee opportunities to transitioning trout fisheries across the state
